LMIA Processing Times Increase Across Most Streams in July 2026

Processing times for Labour Market Impact Assessments, or LMIAs, increased across most streams of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program in July 2026.

According to the latest update from Employment and Social Development Canada, or ESDC, processing times increased by between one and nine business days in most categories.

The main exception was the permanent resident stream, where processing time dropped by 13 days compared with June.

ESDC published its July 2026 LMIA processing time update on August 7, 2026.

LMIA processing times are updated every month and show the average number of business days ESDC takes to assess an application.

LMIA Processing Times for July 2026

Processing times vary depending on the LMIA stream, the completeness of the application, and the number of applications currently being reviewed by ESDC.

The latest processing times are:

High-Wage LMIA Processing Time Continues to Rise

The High-Wage Stream saw the largest increase in July.

Processing time rose from 79 days in June to 88 days in July, an increase of nine business days.

This is also the highest processing time recorded for the High-Wage Stream so far in 2026.

In February 2026, the processing time for this stream was 60 days. This means the average wait has increased by 28 days since February.

Low-Wage Stream Processing Time Also Increases

The Low-Wage Stream increased slightly from 71 days in June to 73 days in July.

Although the increase was only two days, processing time remains much higher than earlier in the year.

In February 2026, the average processing time for the Low-Wage Stream was 48 days.

Employers should also remember that low-wage LMIA applications are not processed in certain regions where the unemployment rate is 6% or higher.

The list of affected regions is updated every quarter, with the next update expected on October 10, 2026.

Permanent Resident Stream Sees Major Improvement

The biggest improvement was seen under the Permanent Resident Stream.

Processing time dropped from 99 days in June to 86 days in July, a reduction of 13 business days.

Although this stream still has one of the longest processing times, the overall trend has improved significantly compared with earlier in the year.

Other LMIA Streams See Minor Changes

Most other LMIA streams saw only small changes.

The Global Talent Stream increased from 9 days to 10 days.

The Agricultural Stream increased from 22 days to 23 days.

The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program improved slightly, with processing time falling from 9 days to 8 days.

Since February, the Agricultural Stream has seen a noticeable increase, rising from 15 days to 23 days.

LMIA Processing Time Does Not Include Advertising Period

Employers should keep in mind that the LMIA processing times published by ESDC do not include the mandatory recruitment and advertising period.

Before submitting an LMIA application, employers are generally required to advertise the position and make efforts to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Depending on the LMIA stream, this advertising period may range from approximately two to eight weeks.

This means the total time required before a foreign worker can move forward with a work permit application may be longer than the LMIA processing time alone.

What Is an LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment is a document that many Canadian employers must obtain before hiring a temporary foreign worker under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

A positive or neutral LMIA confirms that the employer has made the required efforts to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and that hiring a foreign worker is not expected to negatively affect Canada’s labour market.

Before applying for an LMIA, the employer must meet the requirements of the applicable stream.

These requirements may include:

• Advertising the position for a specific period
• Using approved recruitment methods
• Offering wages that meet program requirements
• Demonstrating genuine efforts to hire Canadians or permanent residents
  
  

Once ESDC approves the LMIA, the employer must provide the foreign worker with the LMIA decision letter and a job offer letter.

The foreign worker can then use these documents to apply for an employer-specific work permit.

How Long Is an LMIA Valid?

An LMIA is generally valid for up to six months.

The foreign worker must submit the work permit application before the LMIA expires.

Although ESDC may recommend a particular employment duration, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC, makes the final decision on the validity period of the work permit.

Can Workers Apply Before the LMIA Is Approved?

In certain situations, some foreign workers may be able to submit their work permit application while the employer is still waiting for an LMIA decision.

This may be possible under IRCC’s concurrent processing measures if the applicant meets the required conditions.

However, eligibility depends on the individual situation and the applicable immigration rules.

Finding LMIA-Supported Jobs in Canada

Foreign workers looking for LMIA-supported employment can search for opportunities through the Government of Canada Job Bank.

At the time of the original update, more than 6,000 job postings were listed from employers with approved or pending LMIA applications.

Job seekers should carefully review job offers and ensure that the employer and position meet the applicable immigration requirements before proceeding.

Canada Plans to Reduce Temporary Foreign Worker Admissions

Canada plans to admit 60,000 temporary foreign workers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in 2026.

This is lower than the 82,000 admissions targeted in 2025.

The number of temporary foreign workers entering Canada has already declined.

Between January and April 2026, 19,240 workers entered Canada through the TFWP.

This represented a decrease of 29.1% compared with the same period in 2025 and a 54% decline compared with the same period in 2024.

The reduction is part of the federal government’s broader plan to reduce the temporary resident population to below 5% of Canada’s total population by 2027.

If fewer employers submit LMIA applications in the future, this may eventually reduce pressure on processing times.

International Mobility Program Admissions Also Decline

Canada has also reduced planned admissions under the International Mobility Program, or IMP.

Unlike the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, many work permits under the IMP are LMIA-exempt.

The government reduced planned IMP admissions from 285,750 in 2025 to 170,000 in 2026.

Between January and May 2026, 58,675 people were admitted through the IMP.

This represented a 13.4% decrease compared with the same period in 2025 and a 64.8% decrease compared with the same period in 2024.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Workers

The July 2026 update shows that employers and foreign workers may need to prepare for longer LMIA wait times, especially under the High-Wage and Low-Wage streams.

Employers should begin the recruitment and LMIA process early and ensure that all required documents are complete before submitting an application.

Foreign workers should also remember that LMIA approval is only one step in the process. A separate work permit application must usually be submitted to IRCC after the LMIA is approved.

With processing times continuing to change, employers and workers should regularly review the latest ESDC and IRCC requirements before making immigration or hiring decisions.